Kayinsola Ajayi added another milestone to his remarkable 2026 season by winning a bronze medal in the men’s 100m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The medal made him the first Nigerian man in two decades to reach the podium in the event at the Games. Fresh from the medal ceremony, the 21-year-old spoke to PREMIUM TIMES about his performance, his quest for gold, the upcoming 4x100m relay, staying grounded amid growing fame, and representing his Ikorodu neighborhood.
Question: Congratulations. You’ve just collected your bronze medal in the men’s 100m. You’re smiling today. Has it started to sink in how special this achievement is?
Kayinsola Ajayi: Yeah, I mean, even after yesterday’s race, a lot of people were congratulating me and telling me they enjoyed watching me compete. They kept saying, “You did your best.” So, yeah, I’m proud of myself, and I feel like everybody was happy. I was also happy with the performance I put on yesterday, especially with the rain and the weather. I feel like I can’t beat myself up forever.
Question: You’re now the first Nigerian man to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the 100m in two decades. How does that feel?
Kayinsola Ajayi: Yesterday, I went out there with the mindset of becoming the first Nigerian man to win gold in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games. I wanted to win so badly. I really wanted that gold. But I’m grateful to come away with a medal.
